Larry Twele, the CEO of the
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) was the featured guest at the October 6, 2015 monthly meeting of the
Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA).
Other officials included Mark Thompson of HCEDA as well as Erik Gillenwater, who is the Howard County Police Department (HCPD)
Community Resource Officer for our area.
The focus of the meeting was upon redevelopment in Southeastern Howard County (in particular, the Route 1 Corridor), with Officer Gillenwater answering questions about crime as well.
Southern Howard County Civic Association (SHCCA)
SHCCA meets on the first Tuesday of each month in the North Laurel Community Center, hosting Howard County officials in an open forum discussion with residents and business owners.
Upcoming events:
- Tuesday, November 3, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Executive Alan Kittleman
- Tuesday, December 1, 2015 @ 6:30 PM: SHCCA Meeting, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ) Director Valdis Lazdins
- Saturday, December 5 @ c. 5:30 PM: Savage Holiday Bridge and Tree Lighting (with cider, Santa, and caroling)
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| North Laurel Community Center (NLCC) |
Highlights
Mr. Twele talked about the tools available to Howard County and HCEDA to promote development, as well as the constraints the County faces in redeveloping Route 1.
- Howard County has two primary tools: zoning and tax policy
- Need for a long-term plan for the entire area
- Responded to concerns about the impact of the Coastal Sunbelt facility being built on Whiskey Bottom (especially on traffic)
Mr. Twele encouraged the audience to return on December 1st when DPZ will be able to address the long-term vision more directly. HCEDA will also return at that time.
Officer Gillenwater answered questions about crime in the area, and talked about HCPD initiatives to address muggings in Columbia and Laurel with the increased use of plainclothes officers on footpaths and on bikes.
HCEDA’s Mission
According to Mr. Twele, HCEDA’s mission is to promote business in Howard County. To that end he has a small staff of 17 that administers small business loans and tax credits, helps with marketing, and has a business development team that just increased from 2 to 4 staff members.
